Toilet works and operates in a simple manner. So, diagnosing its problem yourself could be a no-brainer to you. The most common toilet problems are noises, odors, filling, or improper flushing. If you notice these problems with your toilet, don’t wait around for them to go away. Delaying it could lead to water damage or a more serious plumbing problem.

Toilet Won’t Stop Running

When your toilet won’t stop running, it’s a waste of not only your water but also your money, and can be a little annoying.

Fixing it is easy to do. The problem is usually be found in the fill tank. If you hear that the tank starts to refill randomly, or it never shuts off at all, check if the flapper is not sealed properly in the flush valve or your tank float may be stuck or damaged.

Flapper Fix:

Flappers can be easily fixed. Just replace it with a new one. If the flappers appear to be in good shape and replacing them doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace the whole flush valve assembly.

Float Fix:

For ball and stem floats, you can try unscrewing it on the stem to make sure it shuts off once the water gets high. If it stays below the waterline, it might be broken and filling with water, and you need to replace it.

Toilet Won’t Flush

If your toilet won’t flush, it’s either caused by a broken handle or lack of water in the tank.

First, check the flush handle of your toilet and adjust it if it’s too tight or it’s loosened up. Next, Check the flush level lift arm. See if it just needs to be adjusted or a replacement is needed. Always make sure to bring with you the lift arm assemble before going to the store to make sure you get the correct replacement.

Lastly, you should also check the lift chain and make sure it is correctly attached to the lift arm and the flapper at the base of the flush valve.

Clogs

A clogged toilet is probably one of the most common toilet problems you will encounter, but in most cases, there is no need to call a plumber.

A plunger with an extension flange or an internal cup is recommended for unclogging toilets. To effectively use a plunger, first, shut off your toilet’s water supply. After making sure that your water supply has been shut off, place the plunger into the toilet bowl and make sure the bell of the plunger is fully submerged in the water.

Press the plunger down, make sure it completely covers the toilet drain, and gently plunge up and down several times to force out the obstruction. If using a plunger doesn’t resolve the problem, it may require using a toilet auger.

Water Leaking around the Base or the Top Tank

Most of the problems in the toilet start if the tank bolts were not properly seated or the rubber washer inside the tank is cracked, letting the water out.

If you notice leaking around the base area of your toilet, it means that there is a problem with the wax ring that seals the horn (base of the toilet) to the drain opening set of the floor.

This means that you’ll have to remove both of the tanks and the bowl in order to replace the wax ring. Although this might seem like a big job, with proper tools, and maybe a helping hand from someone, you can fix it yourself without calling a plumber.

If you live in the San Mateo area, and are having toilet troubles, Call Caccia Plumbing Inc. at (650) 442-1470 and find out how you can get your toilet back!